This strategy suggests that before you tackle a 'difficult' topic, you consult the young person you are going to be talking with, and get some advice as to how to tackle this subject, and what to do if it becomes hard for the young person.

An activity that encourages a young person to think about the tricky balance of being true to their feelings and embracing these, while being mindful of what they are projecting to the world around them, and the impact this will have on how the world will respond to them. A physical activity, both playful and serious.

'A week in words' offers a young person a way of reviewing their week by choosing from a list, a number of words that best describes that week, and then adding a few more of their own. The activity opens a door onto a discussion about what a person can control, what they can't and what they want to do with those things they can.

A great activity for individuals or groups. The example here is of a group of boys saying where they are in response to the question: ‘Do you want to stay at school?’ With three possible responses: Yes. No. Still thinking about it…

This activity asks a young person to explore their hopes and dreams…a ‘hope’ being a sort of : ‘Gee, I hope this happens…’ and a ‘dream’ having a bit more energy to it: ‘OMG! Wouldn't it be amazing if…!’ With both ideas in mind, the activity asks a young person how they might pursue each, and look at just what they might be able to do to make each become a reality...and what help they might need along the way.

A groupwork activity and a variation on an old activity...but in this case people get to know each other via making three statements about themselves: One is true, one is a BIG FAT LIE, and one they would LIKE to be true. A beaut activity, and this video shows footage of the activity in action.

An activity of imagination. As playful or as serious as you would like it to be. 'Snippets' are snatches of conversation overheard while jogging. 'How would you finish this sentence?' 'What do you think is on the mind of the person speaking?' 'If it was you, what would you be thinking?'

This activity asks a young person, playfully at first, what they need right now? And moves naturally into a more serious conversation about what they might need as a person, to revive, recuperate, 're-charge'...

'Frames' shows footage of a real - life conversation with Dylan; and demonstrates how a Frame, which contains and focusses a conversation, can, if used creatively and carefully, result in a pretty interesting and worthwhile interaction. This video is 6.30 minutes long so find a time when you can fully appreciate how terrific Dylan is, grab a cuppa, and put your feet up.

'Four questions' is by far the longest video I have posted, but it seemed to need it, so I hope it works for you. It's an activity about deeper engagement. Who you ask the questions of, when and how all matter. With four important questions in mind, the video and the activity explore the importance and power of 'containing' a conversation in ways that can intensify and concentrate a conversation. All a bit serious, and all quite important.